PC extends online-only classes another week

PROVIDENCE — Providence College says classes will remain remote for another week as the college continues to respond to a coronavirus outbreak in off-campus housing.

Online classes will continue through Saturday, Oct. 3, and students remain under a stay-at-home order.

In a statement, the college apologized that the outbreak put Rhode Island back on the travel quarantine list for Connecticut, New York and New Jersey this week.

“The PC outbreak has been a strong contributing factor to Rhode Island being placed once again on the restricted travel lists of several states,” the statement said. “We also are aware that the 02908 zip code has had one of the highest incidences of COVID-19 positivity in the city of Providence.

“In addition to being a temporary home for PC students who live off-campus, this neighborhood is also the permanent home of many working families who depend on their health to earn a living. We apologize sincerely for our part in exacerbating COVID-19 positivity rates in the state, and for putting the health of residents at risk.”

On Eaton Street, home to many off-campus PC students, several neighbors expressed a fatalistic attitude about student hijinks.

“In May and June, kids were partying left and right,” said Heidi Perreault. “When they returned, I was happy to see them wearing masks.

But she also said, “I was shocked when they reopened.“

Perreault said she isn’t fretting about her own safety: “I go nowhere. I get my groceries delivered. I’ve lived here 25 years. We’re all careful.“

Pat O’Connor , who lives a block away, was working on her yard.

“I don’t want (Providence College) to stop educating students,” she said. “PC is doing the most they can. Everyone is so quick to judge. It’s a Catholic school. Let this be a teaching moment.”

But Ed Albanese, who was picking up a sweet at LaSalle Bakery on Smith Street, said he doesn’t think the college should have reopened classes on campus.

“What did they expect?” he said. “These are 19-year-old kids.”

Providence College on Friday reported that a total of 205 students had tested positive for COVID-19.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 1,598 students were tested, with 36 new positive cases and a positivity rate of 2.2%.

PC, which has 4,700 students, moved to remote learning late last Thursday after 120 students tested positive over three days. The college issued a stay-at-home order to all students and isolated students who have tested positive.

Most of the students who tested positive live off campus. An estimated 993 students live off campus.

Providence College and the Department of Health are also tracing everyone who has been in close contact with the affected students, according to college spokesman Steve Maurano.

Violations will result in immediate suspensions.

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